Elder Gerald Hoffstead announced at Sunday’s service that Prairie Ridge Reformed Church will host a Reformation Day observance on October 31st, marking the 509th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses. The announcement was received with what Elder Hoffstead described as “enthusiasm” and what Elder Thomas Langley described as “a variety of responses.” Both characterizations are accurate.

Brandon Keyes volunteered to coordinate the observance before Elder Hoffstead had finished the announcement. He raised his hand during the closing prayer. Several members noted the timing. Brandon confirmed he had been preparing for this announcement since September 28th, which he described as the date he “sensed this was coming.” He submitted a twelve-page planning proposal to the session on Monday morning.

The proposal, which the Dispatch has reviewed in full, includes: a chronological event timeline with fifteen-minute intervals, a suggested dress code described as “period-appropriate encouraged,” a theological trivia component Brandon has titled the “Sola Showdown,” a historical display table, a recommended reading list distributed to all attendees, and what the proposal calls “a brief but meaningful moment of corporate prayer in the spirit of the Reformers.” The brief moment is allocated twenty minutes. Brandon considers this brief.

The session reviewed the proposal at Tuesday’s meeting. Elder Hoffstead described it as “comprehensive.” He said this in the tone he typically reserves for documents that contain more words than he would have used. Elder Langley said it was “a strong starting point,” which is the most encouraging response any planning proposal has received from an elder in this reporter’s tenure. A committee has been formed to review the proposal. The committee has been asked to report back within two weeks. Brandon has already emailed three follow-up questions to the committee.

Travis Novak, attending the service with Haley, raised the question of whether Reformation Day would include candy — noting that his children would be aware it was October 31st regardless of what Prairie Ridge called it. Brandon’s response, delivered at the fellowship hour coffee station rather than during the service, was that candy was “not the point.” Travis confirmed he understood this. He also confirmed his children remained aware of the date. The candy question is unresolved. The Dispatch will report developments.

AT PRESS TIME: Brandon’s twelve-page proposal had been read in full by two session members. Elder Hoffstead had read the executive summary. He had underlined one sentence. He had not shared which one.

DEVELOPING: The session committee reviewing Brandon’s proposal has scheduled its first meeting. Nathan Briggs, who was not appointed to the committee, has submitted a written statement about the coffee arrangements for the observance. The statement is two pages. It was not requested.